Jakarta, Nusantaratv.com – A Japanese supercomputer shows that humidity can have a big impact on the spread of virus particles.
This points to an increased risk of transmitting the coronavirus (Covid-19) in dry and indoor conditions during the winter months.
Quoting Reuters, Wednesday (14/10/2020), the findings show the use of a humidifier can help limit infection as long as window ventilation is not possible. The research was released on Tuesday (13/10/2020) by research giants Riken and Kobe University.
The researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to model the emission and flow of virus-like particles from infected people in various indoor environments. Simulations showed air humidity lower than 30 percent resulted in more than double the number of aerosol particles compared to levels of 60 percent or higher.
The study also showed clear face shields were not as effective as masks at preventing the spread of aerosols. Other findings suggest visitors are more at risk from people on their side than across tables, and that the number of singers in the choir should be limited and spaced.
The Riken research team led by Makoto Tsubokura has previously used the Fugaku supercomputer to model transmission conditions in trains, work spaces and classrooms. Simulations show opening windows in commuter trains can increase ventilation two to threefold, lowering the concentration of surrounding microbes.
Blind fear or unfounded belief in Covid-19 infection simply because the virus is not visible – said Tsubokura.
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